Thankful.

Ahh... this morning, August 1, is the first time I've sat down alone and in quiet to just journal, read, and BE. This is such a gift. In keeping with Fawn, my mom and I's list of thankful's (after reading 1000 Gifts), I want to share some of mine with you from recent days.

*A wonderful time with Elise upon return from Israel. TO be back with a dear friend and have laughter was so refreshing. A highlight...getting caught in the pouring rain in Chicago on the Vespa on the way back from the gym!

*Time with Nicole and her husband Aaron, learning more about the city and trying a new restaurant.

* Walking to the market downtown

*Sleeping in a comfortable bed with glorious cool AC

* Driving my car

* Having a beautiful house to live in through the year.

* Walking with the Lord step by step and knowing His plan is perfect.

*Edifying friendships

*Solitude

*Reading the Bible and being able to picture the places where Jesus walked. To imagine how he felt in the heat and dirt and knowing how humanly fatigued he was at so many points.

 *Helping (well, watching...) Taylor move into her and Peter's new apartment and spending time together reflecting on her coming wedding and how faithful the Lord has been and will be through the transition to marriage.

*Talking about the Lord

*WATCHING THE OLYMPICS.

* Eating spinach, kefir, and dark chocolate covered alomonds with turbinado sugar from Trader Joe's. The three things I listed that I couldn't wait to eat in the States after Israel.

*Thankfulness for my brother's safety thus far and his service to our country. As I cry while I write this... Daniel, we love and miss you so very much. Stand strong, lead well. Set your eyes on the King and your jaw to the task....

* Being with Fawn on the phone, hearing Tirzah chirp in the background, and loving them from afar through this hard time. 

*Praising the Lord for the experience I had in Israel, all that I learned and experienced.

*LOVING how green it is here!

* Time with Linzy and Dan over a scrumptious flank steak salad meal and Olympic viewing.

* Looking forward to time with family.